Everything is more difficult than it seems.
Even this blog is harder than it seems. I’m tired, my feet hurt, I’m thirsty, all of these problems have a solution, it just requires a lot more work than you think.
My “tramily”, Tootsie, Tama, Papi and I started our 15th day on the trail and headed towards the Nantahala Outdoor Center. We had made prior arrangements to spend the night at Rambling Roots Hostel and they would pick us up at 3:00 p.m. On my descent towards the NOC, I heard a loud “pop-pop” from the side of my backpack. I immediately pulled off the trail and discovered that my top strap anchor had come loose and my backpack was dangling to the right side. Luckily, an NOC employee was able to provide me with some paracord to tie it all together. I guess if there was ever a time for your pack to go down, I was lucky enough to have someone help me continue. I don’t know what I would have done if I had needed to replace my backpack or, more importantly, if I had had to do without my family’s “patches.” 
The next day we planned to take a «zero» at an adjacent shelter, Gorge-Us Stays, because we were expecting a ten degree temperature drop with snow in the forecast. My sleeping bag is rated at 30F and I have merino wool long johns, but this weather was no joke. It started to rain and as the day progressed it turned to snow. We were all happy to spend the night inside, having heard stories of other hikers who had to be rescued from hypothermia.
After the storm passed, we decided to go out and walk 14 miles to the next destination. The snow was knee-deep, the wind was blowing, and the lack of sun made the experience very cold and exhausting. With no clear spot to pitch a tent or shelter available, we called the same hostel and booked a stay in the Harry Potter tent. It was a fun place to say the least. We were all happy to have avoided the cold and bad weather.
Over the course of the next few days, we averaged 10 to 15 mile hikes, depending on the availability of a shelter or campsite. By the time we crossed the Fontana Dam, we had already fallen into a predictable pattern. Daddy always seemed to be in the lead (no trekking surveys), guided by Tama or Tootsie, with me at the back of the line. As for the trail sections, I don’t have them yet. Side note: Even when I was in the Navy, I also had no experience at sea (I always got seasick).
On the 21st, we passed the 200 mile mark and entered Geeat Smoky Mountain National Park (which required a $40 permit fee for all hikers. When rain is forecast, you try to stay in a shelter, however, there is a problem. Day hikers can rent these shelters and force you to leave if there isn’t enough room. Fortunately, although we had situations where the shelter was reserved, there was enough room for everyone (even the mice).
We are also going to climb the third highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingmans Dome. With all the fog and cool temperatures, there wasn’t much to see. Honestly, it felt like something out of Star Wars, almost expecting Yoda to come out of nowhere.
Having reached Newfound Gap and at the end of our food supply, we needed to get to the town of Gatlinburg. Luckily, a very nice couple took us all to the local Food City, waited for us while we re-applied, and then drove us back to the gap to continue on our way. It was a very nice gesture and, for the record, everyone on this trip so far has been very kind, even generous. Speaking of which…trail magic!
For three days in a row, my group encountered magical trails. The first night a couple and their dog came to offer us fresh fruit and nuts. The second time a man named “Thirsty” served us coffee and donuts. On the third occasion, a mother and daughter team gave us sandwiches, snacks and drinks. We have had more kind people who have gone out of their way to help us, especially when we were hungry and running out of food. Everything has been great so far.
As of this writing, I am sitting in a hostel with my feet up. I visited a family clinic today and received the same advice I’ve heard time and time again: «keep your feet dry.» I left there with some medical supplies and I intend to do the best I can. I also sprained my ankle and fell on my face a couple of times, which led to me having to tape my ankle as well.
All in all, I’m in good spirits. I have the love and support of my wife and children, and I look forward to seeing them in the coming weeks. We will be walking bigger miles here shortly, I hope to be ready…
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